What are some recipes using Basil?
· How do I prepare basil for cooking? Preparing Basil To thinly slice fresh basil, stack several leaves. Roll stack lengthwise into cylinder. Cut cylinder crosswise at close intervals with sharp knife to form thin strips. Like many fresh herbs, basil tastes best when added near the end of cooking as it loses flavor when exposed to prolonged heat.
What to do with too much Basil?
Basil is versatile in that you can store it in multiple ways without too much lost flavor when you want to use it. Fresh basil leaves can be chopped and frozen in ice cube trays filled with water. When you need to give one of your dishes the flavor of basil, simply pop one of the cubes into it.
How do you cook fresh basil?
How do you boil basil leaves? Simply boil a handful of fresh basil leaves in a cup of water for about 10 minutes, and then skim out the leaves and let the liquid cool. Is it OK to eat fresh basil leaves? The leaves are also commonly used in cooking, though some people eat the leaves raw. Holy basil tastes spicy and bitter.
What are the culinary uses of Basil?
How long do basil leaves take to cook? If your oven’s lowest temperature is 175 or 180, that’s fine. Place basil leaves on a baking sheet, making sure the leaves don’t overlap. Depending on the amount of basil you have, you might need a few baking sheets. Bake for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until basil leaves are dried and can easily crumble.
How do you cook with fresh basil leaves?
How to Use BasilTop whole leaves onto pizza.Finish pasta with whole or thinly sliced leaves.Blend it into sauces.Puree it into soups.Chop it up to add to a salad.Use it to garnish avocado toast.Turn it into an ice cream topping! Jazz up vanilla ice cream with fresh strawberries, basil, and a balsamic reduction.
How do I prepare basil for cooking?
Preparing Basil To thinly slice fresh basil, stack several leaves. Roll stack lengthwise into cylinder. Cut cylinder crosswise at close intervals with sharp knife to form thin strips. Like many fresh herbs, basil tastes best when added near the end of cooking as it loses flavor when exposed to prolonged heat.
What is basil good for in cooking?
The most common use of basil is for cooking, such as in tomato sauce, pesto, or vinegars. But it also can be sprinkled over salads and sliced tomatoes, either whole or chopped. Actually, don't chop the leaves, but tear them instead for the most flavor.
How do you prepare fresh basil from the garden?
Prep: Remove the basil leaves from the stem, then wash and dry completely. Dry: Set your oven to the lowest temperature. Place the basil leaves on a parchment-lined baking sheet, then place it on the upper rack of the oven. Bake for 2-4 hours, until the leaves are crumbly.
Is basil better cooked or raw?
If a recipe simply calls for “basil,” sweet basil is the way to go. Other varieties can have stronger flavors that can give you an unintended result in your recipes. Holy basil is best cooked (it can be bitter when raw), but purple basil is best raw as that pretty purple color turns black when cooked.
Can I eat raw basil leaves?
The leaves are also commonly used in cooking, though some people eat the leaves raw. Holy basil tastes spicy and bitter. There are many ways to incorporate holy basil into your daily life. You can cook with it, take it in supplement form, or make a tea with it.
What meat does basil go with?
Sweet and fragrant basil complements tomato-based dishes including pizza, pasta and marinara sauce. It also pairs well with vegetable, chicken, pork or seafood.
Is cooked basil good for you?
Nutrient Powerhouse. Basil is an excellent source of vitamin K and manganese; a very good source of copper, vitamin A (in the form of carotenoids such as beta-carotene), and vitamin C; and a good source of calcium, iron, folate, magnesium and omega-3 fatty acids making it quite nutrient rich!
What part of basil is used?
The leaves are most often removed from the stem and either torn, cut into chiffonade, or finely chopped. They can also be used whole and added as a pizza topping or garnish. Thicker stems and stalks should be discarded because they tend to be bitter, but it is okay to include the small stems in dishes.
How long does basil last in the fridge?
Second, storing in the refrigerator, the shelf life of basil is up to 2 days when you wrap in a paper towel and put it in a plastic bag or container and about 2 months if you puree and store it with a little water or oil in the refrigerator.
What are the benefits of basil leaves?
Benefits of basil leaves you must knowGood For Digestion. ... Anti-inflammatory. ... Fights free radical activity. ... Skin Benefits. ... Fights Depression. ... Diabetes Management. ... Supports Liver Function and Helps Detoxify the Body. ... Promote healthy gut.More items...•
How is basil good for you?
Basil is an excellent source of vitamin K, manganese, iron, vitamin A, and vitamin C. It's also a good source of calcium, magnesium, and omega-3 fatty acids. Basil isn't simply for internal use. When basil's oils are extracted to make an essential oil, it is used for treating cuts, wounds, and skin infections.
Uses, Varieties, and Recipes
Basil is an herb in the mint family that is essential in Italian cooking, although it is also used in a variety of other types of cuisines including Thai, Indonesian, and Vietnamese. It is known for being the main ingredient in traditional pesto and is also a favorite seasoning in tomato-based pasta sauces.
Varieties of Basil
There are over 60 varieties of basil, some of which are red or purple, and each has its own distinct flavor. Sweet basil is the most popular and common variety, and there are several types of sweet basil available. Thai basil is also called for in many recipes because of its anise-like flavor.
Fresh vs. Dried
Basil is sold fresh and dried but fresh basil is typically preferred for cooking. Although dried is more concentrated than fresh, dried basil does not have the same taste; the dehydrating process draws out more of the mint flavor and less of the anise. The general rule is to use one-third the amount of dried basil when substituting it for fresh.
What Does It Taste Like?
The taste of basil will depend on the variety. Sweet basil has a fresh aroma with a subtle peppery flavor and a hint of mint. Other varieties taste of citrus and spice. Thai basil is more savory with a spicy licorice flavor.
Cooking With Basil
Before using, basil should be rinsed under running water and patted dry. The leaves are most often removed from the stem and either torn, cut into chiffonade, or finely chopped. They can also be used whole and added as a pizza topping or garnish.
Recipes With Basil
Basil is often paired with tomatoes as it helps to mellow out some of the acidity. In addition to pesto, basil is used in a variety of dishes, from appetizers to desserts.
Where to Buy Basil
Fresh basil is readily available in most supermarkets and can be found in the produce section packed in plastic clamshell containers or sold as full plants. When buying fresh basil, look for bright green leaves that are not browning or dried on the edges. Dried basil is sold in jars and found in the spice aisle.
Pesto
Go the traditional route and whip up a mean pesto sauce. Use as a condiment or as a sauce for fish or pasta dishes.
Infused Oil
Infuse your favorite olive oil with basil. It only takes a few minutes!
Appetizers
Having a few guests over? Whip up simple finger foods using fresh basil leaves.
Vegetable Soups
Whip up a batch of a summer veggie soup--add ribbons of chopped basil for more seasonal flair.
Salads
Basil pairs nicely with a wide variety of seasonal veggies. Just chop and toss into your favorite salad.
Pizza
Toss whole basil leaves on your favorite pizza when it's hot out of the oven. Delicious!
Fish & Seafood Dishes
Tomato and basil are a match made in seafood heaven. Combine with shrimp or halibut for a delicious main dish.
Description
Basil is an annual, or sometimes perennial, herb used for its leaves. Depending on the variety, plants can reach heights of between 30 and 150 cm (1 and 5 ft). Its leaves are richly green and ovate, but otherwise come in a wide variety of sizes and shapes depending on cultivar.
Etymology
The name "basil" comes from the Latin basilius, and the Greek βασιλικόν φυτόν ( basilikón phutón ), meaning "royal/kingly plant", possibly because the plant was believed to have been used in production of royal perfumes. The Latin name has been confused with basilisk, as it was supposed to be an antidote to the basilisk's venom.
Taxonomy
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Distribution and habitat
Basil is native to India and other tropical regions stretching from Africa to Southeast Asia, but has now become globalized due to human cultivation.
Cultivation
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Uses
Basil is most commonly used fresh in recipes. In general, it is added last, as cooking quickly destroys the flavor. The fresh herb can be kept for a short time in plastic bags in the refrigerator, or for a longer period in the freezer, after being blanched quickly in boiling water.
Culture
There are many rituals and beliefs associated with basil. Basil is sometimes referred to in French as "l'herbe royale" ('the royal herb'), while Jewish folklore suggests it adds strength while fasting.
